The Cardiff crowd at the Utilita Arena was already on its feet, buzzing with anticipation, when 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler stepped up to the oche during the Night Seven final of the 2025 Premier League Darts. Facing off against the legendary Michael van Gerwen, Littler delivered a moment of pure magic in the fourth leg, unleashing a stunning nine-darter that sent the Welsh faithful into a frenzy. Yet, it was Van Gerwen’s reaction—captured in a fleeting moment—that won over fans worldwide, showcasing the sportsmanship that defines darts at its finest.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, opted for an unconventional route to perfection, choosing treble 20, treble 17, and double 15 over the traditional T20-T19-D12 path. As his final dart wobbled but clung to the double 15, Littler hesitated, unsure if it had landed. “I had no idea. I just had to wait for Huw [the referee] to call it,” he admitted to Sky Sports, his face lighting up with disbelief and joy once referee Huw Ware confirmed the feat. The crowd erupted, and Littler punched the air, celebrating his third televised nine-darter and second in the Premier League. It was a moment of brilliance, with Littler averaging an astonishing 112.5 and firing 10 180s across the match, cementing his status as the sport’s brightest star.
But amidst the chaos, fans noticed something special from Van Gerwen. The Dutchman, a seven-time Premier League champion known as “The Green Machine,” flashed a subtle smile and nodded toward Littler, acknowledging the teenager’s extraordinary achievement. Within seconds, however, Van Gerwen’s focus returned to the board, his competitive fire undimmed. He held his throw in the fifth leg and broke Littler to level the score at 3-3, proving he wasn’t fazed by the moment’s magnitude. “Michael van Gerwen just won’t lie down,” one commentator noted, capturing the intensity of a final that saw seven breaks of throw in a chaotic 6-4 victory for Littler.
Fans took to social media to praise Van Gerwen’s gesture, with one writing, “Class act from MVG, smiling and nodding at Littler’s nine-darter, then straight back to business. That’s why he’s a legend.” Another added, “Van Gerwen’s respect for Littler’s nine-darter was pure darts spirit—acknowledge greatness, then fight harder.” The moment highlighted the mutual respect between the two rivals, who have faced off in multiple high-stakes matches, including Littler’s 7-3 triumph over Van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final.
Littler’s path to the Cardiff victory was no easy feat. He dispatched Nathan Aspinall 6-3 in the quarter-finals, averaging over 102, before dismantling Rob Cross 6-2 in the semis with a near-108 average. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, showed glimpses of his vintage form, stunning world number one Luke Humphries 6-4 in the quarters and crushing Chris Dobey 6-1 in the semi-finals. Despite averaging 101.41 and hitting 50% of his doubles, Van Gerwen couldn’t match Littler’s relentless scoring power. “I’ve been playing very well,” Littler said post-match. “I’ve not picked my darts up since last Thursday—I had a week off to chill. But to come here and win and be six points clear, I am comfortable.”
The nine-darter was the third in the 2025 Premier League season, following perfect legs from Humphries and Cross in Brighton. Littler’s feat, which earned him 18ct gold darts worth £30,000 from sponsors BetMGM, came just nine days after another nine-darter at a Players Championship event in Leicester. Remarkably, Littler had predicted the possibility, commenting on Instagram about his preferred T20-T17-D15 route. “I hit one two weeks ago at the Pro Tour, and I went the treble 17, double 15 route after missing double 12 numerous times last year,” he explained, revealing his growing mastery of the game’s toughest challenge.
Van Gerwen’s sportsmanship added a heartwarming layer to a match already brimming with drama. Despite the loss, his performance signaled a return to form after a challenging season, strengthening his grip on a play-off spot. For Littler, the victory extended his lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points over Humphries, putting him on course to defend his 2024 title. As the Premier League roadshow moves forward, the rivalry between Littler and Van Gerwen promises more unforgettable moments, blending fierce competition with moments of class that remind fans why darts captivates millions.
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